March 10, 2013

Saints Sign Galette for Three Years

Restricted free agent Junior Galette was given a second-round pick tender offer from the Saints, but won't need it. The two sides announced on Saturday that the pass rusher has agreed to a new three year contract.

Galette, an undrafted gem picked up by the Saints before the 2010 season and a native of Haiti, will be a cornerstone of the Saints' pass rush in the new 3-4 formation. Moving from situational defensive end in the 4-3 to starting outside linebacker, Galette's talents and build will be much better suited for the new scheme, where Galette will be a full time starter.

UPDATE: Galette's new contract is a three-year, $7.5 million deal with $3.5 million in guarantees, including a $2.7 million signing bonus. Galette's base salary for 2012 is a very cap-friendly $800,000.

Galette played his final college season at Stillman College after transferring from Temple University, and has been only a situational pass rusher in 32 games over three seasons with the Saints. Despite limited playing time, Galette generated 9.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits over the past two seasons.

Despite a second round pick restricted tender offer, Galette might have drawn interest from a another team looking to steal a rising pass rusher.